Missing teeth can make you feel embarrassed about your smile. Dental implants offer a permanent solution that looks and feels natural. But what exactly are they?
This guide explains everything you need to know about dental implants in simple terms.
1. What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw that replaces your tooth root. Think of it as an artificial tooth root that goes into your jawbone.
When you lose a tooth, you lose both the visible part (crown) and the root underneath. Regular dentures only replace the crown. Dental implants replace the entire tooth structure.
Here’s what makes implants special:
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- They’re made from titanium metal
- They’re surgically placed in your jawbone
- They act like natural tooth roots
- They support crowns, bridges, or dentures
Dental implants are the closest thing to having your natural teeth back.
2. How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants work by fusing with your jawbone. This creates a strong foundation for replacement teeth.
The process works in 3 steps:
Step 1: Implant Placement Your dentist surgically places the titanium implant into your jawbone. This is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain.
Step 2: Healing Period Your jawbone grows around the implant over 3-6 months. This creates a strong bond.
Step 3: Crown Attachment Once healed, your dentist attaches an abutment and crown to complete your new tooth.
The implant becomes part of your jaw, just like a natural tooth root.
3. What Are the Parts of a Dental Implant?
A complete dental implant has three main parts:
The Implant (Root)
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- Made from titanium
- Shaped like a screw
- Goes into your jawbone
- Usually 8-15mm long
The Abutment (Connector)
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- Small metal piece
- Connects implant to crown
- Screws into the implant
- Holds everything together
The Crown (Visible Tooth)
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- Made from porcelain or ceramic
- Looks like your natural teeth
- Custom-made to match your smile
- Attached to the abutment
These three parts work together to create one strong, natural-looking tooth.
4. What is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration is when your jawbone grows around the implant. The word means “bone integration.”
Here’s how it works:
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- Titanium is biocompatible (your body accepts it)
- Bone cells grow directly onto the implant surface
- This creates a permanent bond
- The implant becomes part of your jaw
Why osseointegration matters:
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- Makes implants incredibly strong
- Prevents implant movement
- Allows normal chewing force
- Lasts for decades
This process takes 3-6 months. During this time, you might have a temporary tooth to maintain your appearance.
Without osseointegration, dental implants wouldn’t be possible.
5. Are Dental Implants Artificial Teeth?
Yes and no. Let’s break this down:
What’s Artificial:
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- The titanium implant (root replacement)
- The porcelain crown (visible tooth)
- The metal abutment (connector)
What’s Natural:
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- How they function in your mouth
- The way they stimulate your jawbone
- Your ability to eat normally
- The natural appearance
Dental implants vs other artificial teeth:
Dentures:
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- Sit on your gums
- Can slip or move
- Reduce chewing power
- Need daily removal
Dental Implants:
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- Fixed permanently
- Never slip or move
- Full chewing power
- Clean like natural teeth
While implants are technically artificial, they’re designed to work exactly like natural teeth.
Why Choose Townsville Dental Clinic for Your Implants?
At Townsville Dental Clinic, we’re Queensland’s trusted implant specialists. Our experienced team uses the latest technology to give you the best results.
Ready to restore your smile?
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- Call us today for a consultation
- We’ll assess if implants are right for you
- Get your confidence back with a perfect smile
Don’t let missing teeth hold you back. Dental implants can give you the natural-looking, permanent solution you deserve.
Looking for dental implants in Townsville? Contact Townsville Dental Clinic today to learn how we can restore your smile with permanent, natural-looking dental implants.
